Should I Pressure Wash My Deck Before Staining?

When it comes time to paint or stain your deck or patio, getting good adherence depends on a clean surface. When the deck surface isn’t clean and free of mold or mildew, there may be peeling or trouble with a consistent coating. Always start with a thoroughly clean surface area before attempting any other covering on a deck or patio. There are many ways to prep the surface before paint or staining, and our highly trained Pressure Washing crews are here to let you know the best methods.

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Best Prep Methods Before Deck Staining

Sweep up all the leaves, debris, and other items on the deck. When the surface is free from debris and is all swept or vacuumed,  you are ready to move on to deeper cleaning. Cleaning the surface area should be done with quality ingredients. You’ll need to wear proper protective equipment over your clothes and your eyes. There are two ways to do the best prep method:

Method One – Spray the area with a spray bottle or a backpack sprayer to get a thorough soaking. You’ll want to work in small sections at a time. Take a scrubber brush and work this into the deck surface to ensure you’re getting good solid coverage of the cleanser. After cleansing the entire deck, you can take a spray hose and rinse it free from the cleaner. After the area has thoroughly dried, you’ll be able to start painting or staining the deck.

Method Two – Using a pressure washer can apply the cleanser to the surface with force so that you don’t have to scrub. After the deck cleaner, using straight water in the pressure washer can rinse the deck surface. Hiring a professional pressure washing crew to clean your deck will ensure your deck is in optimal condition to paint or stain. Our highly trained pressure washing crews know exactly how to prep, how much water pressure, and what the necessary cleaners are to get the best possible outcome for you. 

Should I Pressure Wash My Deck Before Staining?

We may be biased, but the answer really is a resounding yes! Pressure washing the deck or patio surface before staining gives a win-win situation. You are saving time and back-breaking labor by not having to scrub the deck by hand. You can penetrate the surface much deeper and easier than low-pressure water hoses that only take care of very superficial areas of concern on the deck. A side by side comparison of a hose cleaned deck and a pressure power washed deck will tell the tale. The pressure washing makes it look like new, taking years of neglect and use away. 

Also, pressure washing can help remove the layer of other paint and stain so that there is a completely bare surface ready to be used. Pressure washing also helps increases the life of the deck paint and stain used afterward from peeling up. Removing everything in one easy pass can even clean the areas between the deck boards, something that a brush and hand have a much harder time attempting. Cleaning between the boards like this will help lower the chances of fungal growth and helps prevent rot from forming.

You see, there are two main ways to give you the best prep before staining a deck; one that is time-consuming and doesn’t give you the deep clean that is needed, and one that is quicker, easier, and gives your surface new life and a better future. Which one are you choosing?

Squeegee Squad has professional, highly trained pressure washing crews who can answer all your questions about pressure washing and how it will help prep your deck for paint or stain. From driveways to decks, from houses to gutters, pressure washing can help keep your residence or business looking better for years to come. Call us today to talk with us about your needs.

Schedule Your Pressure Washing Appointment Today!